Father’s Day kids craft: Custom-made trail mix

It’s a well-known fact that the best gifts are made with love. So with all due respect to Hallmark, the card that will be loved most this Father’s Day is made from construction paper, and features a drawing lovingly created by a child.

A great idea for the dad who has everything that the kids can make?: Custom-made trail mix.

It’s fun, it’s personal and it’s a snap to make. The kids will love picking Dad’s favorite treats. We’ve created a mix for a dad who loves chocolate, but doesn’t care for raisins (and those pesky things are in so many ready-made mixes).

What you’ll need:

A bottle or jar (we love this one from Cost-Plus World Market)
Dad’s favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits and (optional) chocolate
3-by-4 inch mailing label
Crayons
Ribbon

How to make it:

1. If you’re using a cleaned-out jar, you may need to soak it to remove the label. Rinse out the jar or bottle, and be sure it’s completely dried out inside (we set ours out in the sun for a few hours after washing it.

We found a pretty bottle in Cost-Plus World Market (the bonus: the lemonade inside is mighty tasty, and a fine way to quench thirst while crafting), but consider Mason jars or even empty mayonnaise jars. Craft stores also offer jars in various shapes.

2. Let the kids write out their message to dad on the label with crayons or markers (it’s best to do this before affixing it).

3. Choose your treats and consider what would be most visually interesting. Place the more colorful treats, like the M&Ms or the dried cranberries, between the “neutral” toned treats, like the peanuts or granola. Pour each layer in, using a funnel for the seeds if you’ve chosen a container with a narrow lip.

We used granola, dried cranberries, colorful M&Ms and Reese’s Pieces, peanuts and sunflower seeds. But it’s essential that you customize the mix. A few other favorites to consider: cashews, almonds, raisins (or any dried fruit), chocolate-covered nuts, walnuts, candied orange peel or chocolate chips. Shop at stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club or Target to receive Cash Back.

4. Affix the label and tie on a ribbon.

Tip: Be sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, so when Dad shakes it all up, there’s room for the ingredients to move around and mix up.